DOCSLIB.ORG

Legal Issues Related to Transgender Students July 2021

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Legal Issues Related to Transgender Students July 2021 Legal Issues Related to Transgender Students Published online in TASB School Law eSource In recent years the legal rights of transgender students have been the topic of federal guidance, litigation, and increased public awareness. This article addresses some of the more common questions that school districts face in this emerging area. 1. Does a student have a right to be recognized as transgender at school? Generally, yes. The extent of the student’s right, and the district’s duty, depends on the specific situation. Under federal law, transgender students have the right to be free from discrimination based on their gender identity and to freely express that gender identity. As such, transgender students should be permitted to wear clothing that aligns with their gender identity. School districts should also use the preferred name and gender of the transgender student unless specifically prohibited by law. Like all students, transgender students must be protected by schools from bullying and harassment by students or employees. While all students need a safe place to learn, transgender and gender-nonconforming students face a heightened risk of bullying, violence, and discrimination.1 Bullying of a student because of the student’s nonconformity with gender norms is a form of harassment based on sex in violation of federal law.2 In some instances, reconsidering whether an activity or event needs to divide students by gender may help to avoid calling attention to a transgender or gender- nonconforming student. In other instances, a district may need to group the student with other students of the same gender identity in order to ensure student safety and minimize disruptions to the educational environment. While each student’s safety and privacy needs will inevitably vary, the positions and potential risks are clear. Consequently, districts should apply a common sense, case-by-case approach to reach the best resolution in each specific situation. 1 See Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network, The 2015 School Climate Survey (2016) (finding 57.6 % of LGBTQ students feel unsafe at school and that school-related supports can improve student experiences). 2 See, e.g., Carmichael v. Galbraith, 574 F. App’x 286 (5th Cir. 2014) (holding that parents of middle school male student who committed suicide after allegedly being bullied by male students because of gender-based stereotypes sufficiently stated student-on-student sexual harassment claim under Title IX). © 2021. Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. TASB Legal Services Page 2 2. What are common terms for understanding and discussing transgender issues? The following terms and their definitions have been used by the U. S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights3 (OCR) or suggested by the National Center for Transgender Equality.4 Assigned sex or sex assigned at birth: the gender designation listed on one’s original birth certificate. Gender expression: How a person represents or expresses gender identity to others, often through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, voice, mannerisms, or physical characteristics. Gender identity: One’s internal sense of gender, which may be different from one’s assigned sex, and which is consistently and uniformly asserted, or for which there is other evidence that the gender identity is sincerely held as part of the person’s core identity. Gender nonconforming: A term for individuals whose gender expression is different from societal expectations related to gender. Gender stereotypes: Stereotypical notions of masculinity and femininity, including expectations of how boys or girls represent or communicate their gender to others, such as through their behavior, clothing, hairstyles, activities, voice, mannerisms, or physical characteristics. Gender transition: The process by which a transgender person begins to assert the sex that corresponds to the person’s gender identity instead of the person’s assigned sex at birth. Sexual orientation: A term describing a person’s attraction to members of the same sex and/or different sex, usually defined as lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual, or asexual. Sexual orientation is a distinct concept from transgender status. In the context of nondiscrimination law, however, sexual orientation and transgender status are frequently analyzed together. Transgender: A term for people whose gender identity is different from their assigned sex at birth. Medical treatments or procedures are not a prerequisite for recognition as transgender. Transgender female: Someone who identifies as a female but was assigned the sex of male at birth. Also known as MTF or “male-to-female.” 3 See U.S. Dep’t of Educ., Office for Civil Rights, and the U.S. Dep’t of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Resolution Agreement between the Arcadia Unified School District and the U.S. Dep’t of Educ., OCR Case No. 09-12-1020, at 1-2 (July 24, 2013). 4 National Center for Transgender Equality, Transgender Terminology (Jan. 2014). © 2021. Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. TASB Legal Services Page 3 Transgender male: Someone who identifies as male but was assigned the sex of female at birth. Also known as FTM or “female-to-male.” 3. Are school districts subject to OCR Title IX enforcement for claims of gender-based discrimination by transgender students? Yes. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX)5 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs and activities. OCR is the federal agency with the responsibility for enforcing Title IX. In June of 2021, OCR issued a formal notice of interpretation regarding the application of Title IX to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OCR stated that the guidance was necessary in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII protects gay and transgender individuals from workplace discrimination.6 In Bostock, the Court concluded that to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity “requires an employer to intentionally treat individual employees differently because of their sex.”7 Like Title VII, Title IX prohibits discrimination, including harassment, based on a person’s sex. Therefore, OCR stated that it “will fully enforce Title IX to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in education programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the Department.” OCR clarified that, as with any other Title IX complaint, a complaint alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity also must meet jurisdictional requirements as defined in Title IX and its implementing regulations.8 Even before Bostock was decided, OCR’s written policy guidance indicated that Title IX protects students from gender-based harassment, regardless of the student’s sexual orientation or gender identity: [G]ender-based harassment, including that predicated on sex- stereotyping, is covered by Title IX if it is sufficiently serious to deny or limit a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the program. Thus, it can be discrimination on the basis of sex to harass a student on the basis of the victim’s failure to conform to stereotyped notions of masculinity and femininity.9 5 20 U.S.C. § 1681. 6 Bostock v. Clayton County, 140 S. Ct. 1731 (2020). 7 Bostock v. Clayton County, 140 S. Ct. 1731, 1742 (2020). 8 U.S. Dep’t of Educ., OCR, Federal Register Notice of Interpretation: Enforcement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 with Respect to Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Light of Bostock v. Clayton County (June 16, 2021). 9 U.S. Dep’t of Educ., Office for Civil Rights, Revised Sexual Harassment Guidance: Harassment of Students by School Employees, Other Students, or Third Parties at v (Jan. 19, 2001). © 2021. Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. TASB Legal Services Page 4 In other words, Title IX protects all students, including transgender students, from harassment because of the student’s deviation from stereotypical gender norms. It does not matter whether or not a harasser is the same or opposite sex in relation to the targeted student’s assigned sex or gender identity. A school district may be liable under Title IX for employee or student harassment of transgender students when there is notice of harassment, followed by deliberate indifference and a failure to respond appropriately.10 If a complaint is filed alleging discrimination or harassment of a transgender student, school officials should work closely with the district’s attorney. 4. What does TASB policy say about transgender students? TASB offers a model policy that: (1) prohibits discrimination, harassment, dating violence, and retaliation against students; and (2) outlines remedial steps to report, investigate, and respond to concerns. Since 2005, a version of this policy has been at code FFH(LOCAL) in Texas school districts’ policy manuals. The TASB policy prohibits various forms of discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, or “any other basis prohibited by law.” The policy does not speak directly or solely about the rights of transgender students. As discussed above, the U.S. Supreme Court and Department of Education have found that discrimination on the basis of gender identity is a form of sex discrimination. 5. What additional guidance should we consider in addressing
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 11Th Grade English Worksheet Bundle: Volume Two Printable English Worksheets from Edmentum's Study Island
    11th Grade English Worksheet Bundle: Volume Two Printable English worksheets from Edmentum's Study Island. Grade 11 English: Summary What’s so special about a bunch of green beans called edamame? It’s not just the name, but also the contents that make this seed a favorite among Japanese and Chinese people. Edamame is a fancy name coined for boiled soybeans. We all know how healthy and nutritious soybeans are. Eating half a cup of these tasty beans punches up the intake of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in a diet. An interviewer once saw Faith Hill snacking on edamame at an interview for Country Music Television. Soy is known to promote good health and prevent certain diseases. A recent study shows that soy helps reduce insulin resistance, kidney damage, and increases good cholesterol. Soy products have components that fight cancer. Isoflavone is the most active anti-cancer element in soy products. Studies show that consuming 100-200 milligrams of isoflavone a day can lower the risk of cancer. 1. What is a good summary of paragraph 2? A. Japanese and Chinese are the only people known to eat soy-based products. B. Since soy products are beneficial for one's health, celebrities eat them very regularly. C. Soy products contain isoflavone. This anti-cancer element can help reduce the risk of cancer. D. Soy is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains a lot of proteins, vitamins, and fiber. 2. What sentence best summarizes the above selection? A. After an interviewer saw Faith Hill snacking on edamame, the bean became famous among people.
    [Show full text]
  • EDITORIAL Screenwriters James Schamus, Michael France and John Turman CA 90049 (310) 447-2080 Were Thinking Is Unclear
    screenwritersmonthly.com | Screenwriter’s Monthly Give ‘em some credit! Johnny Depp's performance as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is amazing. As film critic after film critic stumbled over Screenwriter’s Monthly can be found themselves to call his performance everything from "original" to at the following fine locations: "eccentric," they forgot one thing: the screenwriters, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, who did one heck of a job creating Sparrow on paper first. Sure, some critics mentioned the writers when they declared the film "cliché" and attacked it. Since the previous Walt Disney Los Angeles film based on one of its theme park attractions was the unbear- able The Country Bears, Pirates of the Caribbean is surprisingly Above The Fold 370 N. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 entertaining. But let’s face it. This wasn't intended to be serious (323) 935-8525 filmmaking. Not much is anymore in Hollywood. Recently the USA Today ran an article asking, basically, “What’s wrong with Hollywood?” Blockbusters are failing because Above The Fold 1257 3rd St. Promenade Santa Monica, CA attendance is down 3.3% from last year. It’s anyone’s guess why 90401 (310) 393-2690 this is happening, and frankly, it doesn’t matter, because next year the industry will be back in full force with the same schlep of Above The Fold 226 N. Larchmont Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004 sequels, comic book heroes and mindless action-adventure (323) 464-NEWS extravaganzas. But maybe if we turn our backs to Hollywood’s fast food service, they will serve us something different.
    [Show full text]
  • Pippin - Notes for Performers the Following Questions and Answers Are from the Archive of the Stephenschwartz.Com Forum
    Pippin - Notes for Performers The following questions and answers are from the archive of the StephenSchwartz.com Forum. Copyright by Stephen Schwartz 2010 all rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced without prior written consent, including copying material for other websites. Feel free to link to this archive. Send questions to [email protected] Pippin Audition Advice Dear Mr. Schwartz, I am in need of some major advice. I have an audition for Pippin on September 8, and I could really use some of your wisdom about the show. I guess the easiest way is to list the questions:- What is the highest note Pippin sings in the original score?- What is the highest note the Leading Player sings in the original score?- Is the Original Cast Recording true to the music of the actual show? (I am assuming "yes," but sometimes cds are different.)- Does the part of Lewis sing in the show? I am a High Baritone who can belt a G as of now (7/26/2003) and if you could give me any advice of which part fits that, i would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Whitney Ackerman Answer from Forum visitor: I just music directed Pippin. Both the leading player and Pippin really need an Ab. A solid A is very helpful, esp. for the leading player. Louis doesn't specifically have any solo singing, although he is often given the "battles, barberous and bloody" line in Magic. Pippin: Leading Player Question: Hi! I'm playing a female leading player...I was reading an essay written by someone on their own take on the play Pippin and different symbolism.
    [Show full text]
  • Idioms-And-Expressions.Pdf
    Idioms and Expressions by David Holmes A method for learning and remembering idioms and expressions I wrote this model as a teaching device during the time I was working in Bangkok, Thai- land, as a legal editor and language consultant, with one of the Big Four Legal and Tax companies, KPMG (during my afternoon job) after teaching at the university. When I had no legal documents to edit and no individual advising to do (which was quite frequently) I would sit at my desk, (like some old character out of a Charles Dickens’ novel) and prepare language materials to be used for helping professionals who had learned English as a second language—for even up to fifteen years in school—but who were still unable to follow a movie in English, understand the World News on TV, or converse in a colloquial style, because they’d never had a chance to hear and learn com- mon, everyday expressions such as, “It’s a done deal!” or “Drop whatever you’re doing.” Because misunderstandings of such idioms and expressions frequently caused miscom- munication between our management teams and foreign clients, I was asked to try to as- sist. I am happy to be able to share the materials that follow, such as they are, in the hope that they may be of some use and benefit to others. The simple teaching device I used was three-fold: 1. Make a note of an idiom/expression 2. Define and explain it in understandable words (including synonyms.) 3. Give at least three sample sentences to illustrate how the expression is used in context.
    [Show full text]
  • Dive Into Something New This Summer
    May 2018 Dive Into Something New this Summer Summer is the perfect time to get adventurous and try something new, and the Summer 2018 Tempe Opportunities Brochure is filled with lots of great opportunities. Dive in and you’ll find everything from swim lessons and youth sports to health and fitness classes, boating programs to summer camps and special interest activities. It’s easy to keep your family active and engaged this summer with a wide range of recreational and educational. Classes and camps begin the first week in June, and programs are offered to people of all ages and abilities. Registration is now open and youth scholarships are available to help offset the cost of certain programs. Visit one of the recreational facilities around the city for more information. CHECK OUT SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES Tempe offers a variety of great programs designed to help tots ages 0-5 years develop social, motor and cognitive skills. Little ones will familiarize themselves with colors and shapes in Little Crafters, get messy in Little Painters or listen to a story in Little Tots Readers. Check out pages 6–10 of the brochure for more classes. Youth ages 5-12 years can improve their aim, focus and concentration in Archery 101. Ballers will improve their offense and defense skills and learn teamwork in Youth Hoops. Adventurers can explore fun destinations in the Valley with the Project Quest Summer Trips from the Youth Escalante Community Center. More programs are available on pages 11 – 18 of the brochure. Want to learn to juggle? Tackle this new challenge in JuggleMania.
    [Show full text]
  • Thinking About the Upcoming U.S. Elections Jeffrey C
    From the Editor Thinking about the Upcoming U.S. Elections Jeffrey C. Isaac “Why are you screaming? You have a microphone, it’s amplified “Do you think Hillary looks presidential? I don’t think so ...I’m and when you shriek that way, it’s such an unpleasant ...” not going to say it.... I refuse to say that I cannot stand her screaming into the microphone all the time....because we’re not — Geraldo Rivera allowed to say it, right?” “ I think a lot of it with Hillary Clinton has to do with style and —Donald J. Trump delivery, oddly enough. She shouts. There’s something unrelaxed about the way she is communicating and I think that just jumps fter months of vicious campaigning, Donald off ...” A Trump eviscerated all sixteen of his original rivals —Bob Woodward for the Republican nomination (“Lyin’ Ted,” “ ”“ ”“ ” “What is likable about that? What is angry, bitter, screaming? I’m Little Marco, Ugly Carly, Loser Jeb and the rest), going to stop there.” and immediately went on the attack against the pre- —Sean Hannity sumptive Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, who was herself locked in a sometimes bitter race with Bernie “She’s aging, out of ideas, often shrill, apparently according to oral reports angry and clearly not inspiring.” Sanders for the nomination. U.S. political science has much to contribute to the — Sean Hannity understanding of this electoral contest and its underlying “Hillary Clinton’s hair-raising tone on the campaign trail has dimensions, dynamics, and likely consequences. Readers of garnered a lot of criticism, many saying she needs to cut it out and Monkey Cage, Vox, and numerous other blogs encounter tone it down.
    [Show full text]
  • Celebrate Like No Other
    Dustin Blumer Sermon 310 - Matthew 1:39-56 Celebrate Like No Other Hey all, Merry Christmas. You ever need someone to be what you need? Like this is going on I just need you to be strong. I’m hungry I just need you to make a meal. I come saying I desire to be what you need, what your soul needs, what your spirit needs. Not so you can look at me, not so you can even look at this church, but so you can look at the greatness of God and say he gave me what I needed this Christmas. He showed up when it seemed silent. He gave grace and love when I needed it. Would you pray with me and ask God to bless this message. Heavenly Father, give us what we need. The perfect sight and the prepared heart to receive your Son our Savior Jesus. Let us live with that vision of his perfect love, of your eternal goodness, and so change our lives by His story. In the Christ of Christmas we pray it. Amen. It’s an emotional time isn’t it. Christmas. I’m not sure I get through a Christmas without a few tears can I say that among manly men, some are on one side and others on the other. I don’t know about you, but it’s like someone turned up the dial on my emotions. Like this Home Alone 2, got sick kids watching Home Alone, Kevin turns up the dial on the bad guy. Didn’t end so well for the sticky bandits.
    [Show full text]
  • Gwrra Illinois District Newsletter-August
    VOLUME 4 ISSUE 8 GWRRA ILLINOIS DISTR I C T NEWSLETTER - AUGUST REGION E …. 2016 GOLD WING ROAD RIDER S ASSOCIATION HOT OFF THE SHELF — MARY ADAMS DISTRICT DIRECTOR INSIDE THIS ISSUE: I want to say THANK YOU to FROM ILLINOIS 1 - 2 DISTRICT everyone who attended the Illinois Summer DIRECTOR Rally!! YOU are the main reason the team REGION E HELP 2 puts so much effort into these events. YOU REQUEST — are the main element in these events. Our ADD - SHIELDS 3 goal for each event is for YOU the members to have a great time. Mother Nature didn't MEC COORD. 4 want to cooperate and tone it down for us, MALLETT but we showed her and still had a great time. ADD — 5 - 6 The weekend started off with a party and ended with a party!! Dinner was GOTTSCHALK great, some money got handed out and pie in your face isn't so bad, PICTURES 7 - 9 especially when it was melting before it even got there. SUM M E R R A L L Y So many people enjoyed the museums and the restaurants. There COY / IOY YEAR 10 is so much to see and do in Pontiac. Elle & her team truly made us feel LISTING welcome to their city. The flag parade is always well received and the city STAFF LISTING 11- 12 couldn't wait for us to ride through their town! There are always so many Thank You’s that need to be said and I can't say THANK YOU enough to Chapter C!! They stepped up and took over the hospitality room and a ride on Friday & Saturday! They did a fa-nominal job!! The summer rally is in the books but we aren't done with the year yet.
    [Show full text]
  • EALS Office Bar Counsel 062507
    Lawyerslawyersusaonline.com USA August 4, 2003 IN PRACTICE The Warrior Within Tennessee Lawyer Thrives On The Combat Of Trial By David L. Hudson Jr. petitiveness has helped him become one of the state’s most successful liti - eneath the down-home de- gators – a man known as “the lawyer meanor of Tennessee litigator who never loses,” according to Mark BRandall Kinnard beats the Rogers, a past president of the heart of a warrior. Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association. Known throughout the state for “[He] is by far the premier medical his ability to spin a good yarn and malpractice lawyer and absolutely put ordinary people at ease, Randall one of the nicest lawyers in the state starts every trial pacing at the start - of Tennessee,” Rogers said. ing gate as he struggles to rein in a surge of unbridled adrenaline. Out In The Jungle “At the beginning of every trial, Kinnard knows a lot about battle beneath the easygoing exterior is a – both inside and outside the court - looming volcano,” said the 59-year- room. old med-mal specialist. “If the jury Before entering law school, he e g o could see what was really going on attended West Point and served in H n o t in my mind, it would scare the day - Vietnam. His combat experience y e lights out of them.” with the 173rd Airborne Brigade has P Keeping his inner combatant served him well in the practice of Randall Kinnard, a natural storyteller with an uncanny ability to con - under control is a persistent strug - law.
    [Show full text]
  • EASA Family Handbook.Pdf
    Early Assessment & Support Alliance Lincoln Building 421 SW Oak Street, Suite 520 Portland, OR 97204 Phone: 503.988.3272 Fax: 503.988.5870 24/7 Crisis Line: 503.988.4888 FAMILY HANDBOOK http://web.multco.us/mhas/easa Department of County Human Services Multnomah County Oregon Family Guidelines Go Slow. Recovery takes time. Rest is important. Things will get better in their own time. Keep it Cool. Enthusiasm is normal. Tone it down. Disagreement is normal. Tone it down too. Table of Contents Give each other space. Time out is important for everyone. Set limits. Welcome to EASA 1 Everyone needs to know what the rules are. A few good rules keep things clear and safe. What is Psychosis? 2 Ignore what you can’t change. Let some things slide. Don’t ignore violence or concerns about suicide. What is EASA? 3 Keep it simple. What to Expect in the Short Term 4 Say what you have to say clearly, calmly and positively. Follow the Doctor’s Orders. Common Reactions of Family Member 5 - 6 Take medications as they are prescribed. Take only medications that are prescribed. What Helps? 7 Carry On Business As Usual. Re-establish family and/or personal routines as much as possible. Learn to LEAP 8 Stay in touch with family and friends. No Street Drugs or Alcohol . Keep It Cool 9 They make symptoms worse, can cause relapse, and prevent recovery. Pick Up On Early Signs. Additional Resources 1 0 Note changes. Consult with your family clinician. Family Guidelines 1 1 Solve Problems Step By Step.
    [Show full text]
  • December 1993
    Features DAVE ABBRUZZESE With nary a note on Pearl Jam's breakthrough album, Ten, Dave Abbruzzese flew to the top of MD's 1993 Readers Poll in the Up & Coming category. Now the brand-new Five Against One is out, and Dave's really laying down his mark. • Matt Peiken 20 TONY REEDUS Can today's jazz drummer find happiness on both sides of the avant-garde/straight-ahead coin? Well, Tony Reedus has, making him one of the most sought-after skinsmen around. • Ken Micallef 26 ZILDJIAN AT 370 Zildjian certainly should be proud of their long history: Their cymbal design innovations often coincided with the major artistic leaps of our drumset masters. Since the company is celebrating their deep roots in a big way this year, we thought it a good time to check in. • Rick Van Horn 30 Volume 17, Number 12 Cover Photo By Lance Mercer EDUCATION NEWS EQUIPMENT 48 OFF THE 8 UPDATE RECORD Billy Cobham, Mike Portnoy Toss Panos, Lance Huff of David & the Giants, and the Bulletboys' 52 STRICTLY Jim D'Anda, plus News TECHNIQUE The Hi-Hat 138 INDUSTRY BY JOE MORELLO HAPPENINGS 62 DRIVER'S SEAT Big Bands & Bass Drums DEPARTMENTS BY CHARLIE PERRY 4 EDITOR'S 36 PRODUCT OVERVIEW 66 LATIN CLOSE-UP SYMPOSIUM Pearl Masters Maguinho's 6 READERS' Custom Drumkit BY RICK VAN HORN Brazilian Rhythms PLATFORM BY PETE MAGADINI 39 Rhythm Tech 12 ASK A PRO indexTension Drum 94 SHOW Tuners BY ADAM BUDOFSKY DRUMMERS' 16 IT'S SEMINAR QUESTIONABLE Pete Engelhart Crashers Trials & Tribulations BY ADAM BUDOFSKY Of A New York 50 DRUMLINE Show Drummer 40 LP Gajate Bracket BY LARRY CALLAHAN BY ADAM BUDOFSKY 102 CRITIQUE Taw Duplicate X 98 THE JOBBING Products NDEX DRUMMER 126 1993 I BY RICK VAN HORN The Clubdate Business UPDATE BY PETER J.
    [Show full text]
  • I Am Allowed to Change
    I am allowed to change Good morning! In early sobriety, or actually, the early part of my path while I was still drinking, something big was brewing in me. I was getting happy. I had started to read and work May Cause Miracles, and started to dance in the mornings and post sticky notes all over my apartment that said things like “I am love!” and “I believe in miracles!” I was meditating and choosing my yoga mat over the bar scene, I was showing up at friends houses and passing on the beer (sometimes), I was starting to discover this thing that was ME and I was liking this thing that was ME. And I felt ridiculously guilty about it. Like I had broken some pact with everyone. At my friend's house one day, sitting with a few others and watching Bravo, I discovered I couldn't stomach The Real Housewives of Orange County OR their comments about it—all of the sudden, it wasn't funny. Or interesting. (Update, I now secretly binge on THRH because we are allowed to change). People would talk about their limitations and I would think about my new found freedoms. People would talk about the dark and I would think about the light. People would say Life sucks and I would think LIFE IS FUCKING AMAZING! My new happiness seemed like just another separation from me and the normal people—I had built entire friendships commiserating on the unfairness of the hand I'd been dealt. In the moments when my happiness did seep out, it seemed like an aront to the suering around me—aren't we supposed to not be too great so that others feel better? Aren't we supposed to https://turningmypage.wordpress.com/2015/07/24/challenge-accepted/say I suck, too? so that others feel okay? Isn't talking about your great life just another kind of cruel, or another reason to be disliked? So I would tone it down.
    [Show full text]